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A fast start wasn’t enough for Sibley East’s volleyballers Tuesday as they fell to #2 seed Norwood Young America 3-1 in sub-section semifinal action at Mankato.

The Wolverines were sharp early and cruised to a 25-19 win in game one. But, Sibley East couldn’t sustain that level of play. Central’s Raiders bounced back to win the next three games 25-21, 26-24, 25-22.

“The girls got off to a great start and played with a lot of energy and emotion,” Sibley East head coach Chip Wolverton said. “We just couldn’t maintain that high level of energy throughout the match.”

The fast start saw Sibley East jump off to an 18-8 lead in game one. Side out points after that would give the Wolverines a one game lead.

Games two and three were close throughout, according to Wolverton. Sibley East led 22-20 in the third tilt only to have NYA finish the set on a 6-2 run.

Central jumped off to a 19-10 lead in game four. SE closed the gap to 24-22 but the Raiders finished the match with a clean kill.

Lindsay Thomes, Ashley Martens and Megan Mahon led Sibley East with seven kills apiece. Martens also contributed a team high 14 digs and four ace serves.

Erin Evans tossed up 27 set assists for the Wolverines.

Sibley East finishes the season with a record of 9-18-1. NYA meanwhile advances to play Le Sueur-Henderson in the sub-section finals.